History of Boston in Timeline

Boston is the capital and most populous city of Massachusetts, serving as the cultural and financial hub of New England. It covers 48.4 square miles and had a population of 675,647 in 2020, making it the third-largest city in the Northeastern United States. The Greater Boston metropolitan area, with a population of 4.9 million as of 2023, is the largest in New England and the eleventh-largest in the U.S.

1901: Red Sox Founding

The Boston Red Sox became a founding member of the American League of Major League Baseball in 1901.

1903: First Modern World Series

In 1903, Boston was the site of the first game of the first modern World Series.

1906: Construction of the Longfellow Bridge in 1906

The Longfellow Bridge was built in 1906. Robert McCloskey mentioned it in "Make Way for Ducklings", describing its "salt and pepper shakers" feature.

July 4, 1911: Record High Temperature on July 4, 1911

On July 4, 1911, Boston recorded its highest temperature at 104 °F (40 °C).

1911: Beaneaters Name

Boston's first professional baseball team played under the name Beaneaters until 1911.

1912: Fenway Park Built

In 1912, Fenway Park was built and is the oldest sports arena or stadium in active use in the United States.

1912: Opening of Fenway Park in 1912

In 1912, Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, opened.

1912: Annexation of Hyde Park in 1912

In 1912, the city of Boston annexed Hyde Park.

1916: MIT Moves to Cambridge

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) moved across the Charles River to Cambridge in 1916.

December 30, 1917: Record Cold Daily Maximum on December 30, 1917

On December 30, 1917, Boston recorded its record cold daily maximum at 2 °F (−17 °C).

September 8, 1923: Opening of Logan International Airport on September 8, 1923

Logan International Airport opened on September 8, 1923.

1928: Opening of the Boston Garden in 1928

The Boston Garden opened in 1928.

January 1930: John C. Hull Appointed as First Securities Director of Massachusetts in January 1930

In January 1930, Frank G. Allen, Governor of Massachusetts, appointed John C. Hull as the first Securities Director of Massachusetts.

May 4, 1932: Hull Introduces Bill for Revision of Securities Law on May 4, 1932

On May 4, 1932, John C. Hull introduced a bill to the committee on Banks and Banking in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for revision and simplification of the law relative to the sale of securities.

1933: Drafting of the Securities Act of 1933

In 1933, Harvard professors Felix Frankfurter, Benjamin V. Cohen, and James M. Landis drafted the Securities Act of 1933.

February 9, 1934: Record Low Temperature on February 9, 1934

On February 9, 1934, Boston recorded its lowest temperature at −18 °F (−28 °C).

November 15, 1934: Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. Speech on November 15, 1934

On November 15, 1934, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., the 1st Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, spoke before the Boston Chamber of Commerce, warning against fraudulent securities sales.

1952: Braves Move to Milwaukee

The Boston Braves moved to Milwaukee after the 1952 season.

1953: Construction of Columbia Point public housing complex in 1953

In 1953, the massive Columbia Point public housing complex was built in Dorchester, adjoining the Columbia Point Health Center.

1954: National property crime rate

Boston's property crime rate in 2022 is lower than the national property crime rate of 1954.4 per 100,000 people.

1957: Lowest temperature recorded since 1957 on February 4, 2023

February 4, 2023, the temperature dipped down to −10 °F (−23 °C), this was the lowest temperature reading in the city since 1957.

1957: Establishment of the Boston Redevelopment Authority in 1957

In 1957, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) was established to initiate urban renewal projects in response to Boston's economic decline.

1958: BRA Initiates West End Improvement Project in 1958

In 1958, the BRA initiated a project to improve the historic West End neighborhood, involving extensive demolition and displacement.

1960: Founding of the Boston Patriots

In 1960, the New England Patriots were founded as the Boston Patriots.

1965: Opening of Columbia Point Health Center in 1965

In 1965, the Columbia Point Health Center opened in the Dorchester neighborhood, becoming the first Community Health Center in the United States.

1966: Braves Move to Atlanta

The Braves began playing in Atlanta in 1966.

1971: Patriots Relocation to Foxborough

In 1971, the Boston Patriots relocated to suburban Foxborough.

1974: Conflict Over Desegregation Busing in 1974

Starting in 1974, Boston experienced conflict over desegregation busing, which resulted in unrest and violence around public schools throughout the mid-1970s.

August 2, 1975: Record Warm Daily Minimum on August 2, 1975

On August 2, 1975, Boston recorded its record warm daily minimum at 83 °F (28 °C).

1984: Redevelopment of Columbia Point Complex Started in 1984

From 1984 to 1990, the Columbia Point complex was redeveloped into a mixed-income residential development called Harbor Point Apartments.

1990: Murders in Boston

In 1990, Boston had 152 murders, resulting in a murder rate of 26.5 per 100,000 people.

1990: Rededication of the Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center in 1990

In 1990, the Columbia Point Health Center was rededicated as the Geiger-Gibson Community Health Center.

1991: Publication of The Improper Bostonian

From 1991 through April 2019, The Improper Bostonian, a glossy lifestyle magazine, was published.

1993: Acquisition of The Boston Globe by The New York Times in 1993

In 1993, The Boston Globe was acquired by The New York Times.

1999: Murders in Boston

Murders in Boston dropped to 31 in 1999, resulting in a murder rate of 5.26 per 100,000 people.

2000: Boston becomes majority minority

In 2000, non-Hispanic Whites made up 49.5% of Boston's population, marking the first time the city became majority minority.

2001: Super Bowl Win

The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl after the 2001 season.

2001: Patriots Championship

The Patriots won a championship in 2001.

2003: Super Bowl Win

The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl after the 2003 season.

2003: Patriots Championship

The Patriots won a championship in 2003.

2004: Acquisition of FleetBoston Financial in 2004

In 2004, FleetBoston Financial was acquired by Bank of America, based in Charlotte.

2004: Super Bowl Win

The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl after the 2004 season.

2004: Patriots and Red Sox Championships

The Patriots and Red Sox won championships in 2004.

2006: Founding of The Rainbow Times

In 2006, The Rainbow Times, a minority and lesbian-owned LGBT news magazine, was founded and is now based in Boston, serving all of New England.

2007: Commissioning of first climate action plan in 2007

In 2007, Boston commissioned its first climate action plan covering carbon reduction in buildings, transportation, and energy use.

2007: Completion of the Big Dig in 2007

In 2007, the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, known as the Big Dig, was completed after many delays and cost overruns.

2007: Completion of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in 2007

The Central Artery/Tunnel Project, known as the "Big Dig", ran from 1991 to 2007 and altered the geography of downtown and South Boston by removing the elevated Central Artery and incorporating new green spaces.

2007: Red Sox Championship

The Red Sox won a championship in 2007.

2008: American Community Survey Data

Data is from the American Community Survey's five-year estimates (2008–2012).

2008: Celtics Championship

The Celtics won a championship in 2008.

2009: Christian Science Monitor Ends Daily Print Publication

In 2009, The Christian Science Monitor, headquartered in Boston, ceased daily print editions, transitioning to continuous online and weekly magazine format publications.

2010: Catholic Church Adherents in Greater Boston

As of 2010, the Catholic Church had the highest number of adherents as a single denomination in the Greater Boston area.

2010: Population increase of 12% in 2020 over 2010

In the 2020 census, Boston was estimated to have 691,531 residents living in 266,724 households—a 12% population increase over 2010.

July 2011: Launch of Bluebikes

In late July 2011, Boston launched its bikeshare program, Bluebikes (originally called Hubway).

2011: Winter of 2011-12 Snowfall

During the winter of 2011–12, Boston saw only 9.3 inches (23.6 cm) of accumulating snow.

2011: Tourism Spending in Boston

In 2011, 21.2 million domestic and international visitors spent $8.3 billion in Boston.

2011: Updated Climate Action Plan released in 2011

In 2011, Boston released an updated version of its climate action plan.

2011: Bruins Championship

The Bruins won a championship in 2011.

2012: American Community Survey

Data from the 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates showed the largest ancestry groups in Boston.

2012: Elizabeth Warren Elected to Senate

Democrat Elizabeth Warren was first elected as the state's senior member of the United States Senate in 2012.

April 15, 2013: Boston Marathon Bombing on April 15, 2013

On April 15, 2013, two bombs were detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring roughly 264.

2013: Boston's Philanthropy Rate in 2013

As of 2013, Boston households provided the highest average rate of philanthropy in the nation.

2013: Ed Markey Elected to Senate

Democrat Ed Markey was elected in 2013 to succeed John Kerry in the United States Senate.

2013: NIH Grants to Greater Boston

Hospitals, universities, and research institutions in Greater Boston received more than $1.77 billion in National Institutes of Health grants in 2013.

2013: Introduction of Renew Boston Whole Building Incentive in 2013

In 2013, Mayor Thomas Menino introduced the Renew Boston Whole Building Incentive to reduce the cost of living in energy-efficient buildings.

2013: Resale of The Boston Globe in 2013

In 2013, The Boston Globe was resold to Boston businessman John W. Henry, reversing the 1993 acquisition by The New York Times.

2013: Chinese Americans in Boston

In 2013, over 27,000 Chinese Americans resided in Boston.

2013: Red Sox Championship

The Red Sox won a championship in 2013.

2014: Pew Research Center Study on Religion

According to a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center, 57% of Boston's population identified as Christians.

2014: Updated Climate Action Plan released in 2014

In 2014, Boston released an updated version of its climate action plan.

2014: International Tourists in Boston

In 2014, over 1.4 million international tourists (excluding those from Canada and Mexico) visited Boston, with visitors from China and the United Kingdom leading the list.

2014: Super Bowl Win

The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl after the 2014 season.

2014: Patriots Championship

The Patriots won a championship in 2014.

2015: Jewish Population in Boston Metro Area

As of 2015, the Boston metro area contained a Jewish population of approximately 248,000.

2016: American Community Survey

Data from the 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates showed the largest ancestry groups in Boston.

2016: Household Car Ownership Statistics in Boston

In 2016, 33.8 percent of Boston households lacked a car, compared to the national average of 8.7 percent, with the city averaging 0.94 cars per household.

2016: Boston's Bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics in 2016

In 2016, Boston briefly shouldered a bid as the U.S. applicant for the 2024 Summer Olympics but dropped it due to public opposition.

2016: General Electric Moving Headquarters in 2016

In 2016, General Electric announced that it would move its corporate headquarters from Connecticut to the Seaport District in Boston.

2016: Super Bowl Win

The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl after the 2016 season.

2016: Patriots Championship

The Patriots won a championship in 2016.

2017: Establishment of Boston Uprising

In 2017, the Overwatch League's Boston Uprising was established, becoming the first team to complete a perfect stage without any losses.

2018: Dominican population in Greater Boston

According to 2018 estimates, the Dominican population in Greater Boston grew significantly, reaching 150,000.

2018: Global Financial Centres Index Ranking

In the 2018 Global Financial Centres Index, Boston was ranked as having the 13th-most competitive financial services center in the world.

2018: Super Bowl Win

The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl after the 2018 season.

2018: Patriots and Red Sox Championships

The Patriots and Red Sox won championships in 2018.

April 2019: End of Publication for The Improper Bostonian

The Improper Bostonian, a glossy lifestyle magazine, ceased publication in April 2019.

July 21, 2019: Record Warm Daily Minimum on July 21, 2019

On July 21, 2019, Boston recorded its record warm daily minimum at 83 °F (28 °C).

September 2019: Inauguration of Boston Saves Program

In September 2019, Boston formally inaugurated Boston Saves, a program providing every kindergartner a $50 savings account for college or career training.

2019: Climate Action Plan Anticipates Sea-Level Rise in 2019

A climate action plan from 2019 anticipates 2 ft (1 m) to more than 7 ft (2 m) of sea-level rise in Boston by the end of the 21st century.

2019: Updated Climate Action Plan released in 2019

In 2019, Boston released an updated version of its climate action plan, including the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance.

2020: Boston Population in 2020

In 2020, the population of Boston was recorded as 675,647, according to the census. This made it the third-largest city in the Northeastern United States.

March 2021: Kim Janey Becomes Acting Mayor

Kim Janey became the Acting Mayor of Boston in March 2021, following Marty Walsh's confirmation as Secretary of Labor.

November 2021: Michelle Wu Becomes Mayor

Michelle Wu became mayor of Boston in November 2021.

2021: Boston Police Department Funding

Boston allocated $414 million in spending to the Boston Police Department in the fiscal 2021 budget.

July 24, 2022: Last 100°F Reading on July 24, 2022

The last reading of 100 °F (38 °C) in Boston occurred on July 24, 2022.

2022: Crime Statistics

In 2022, Boston reported 3,955 violent crimes and 11,514 property crimes according to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program.

February 4, 2023: Lowest Temperature Reading Since 1957 on February 4, 2023

On February 4, 2023, Boston experienced its lowest temperature reading since 1957, with the temperature dipping down to −10 °F (−23 °C).

2023: Greater Boston Metropolitan Area Population in 2023

As of 2023, the Greater Boston metropolitan statistical area had a population of 4.9 million, making it the largest metropolitan area in New England and the eleventh-largest in the United States.

2023: Boston as a Global Leader in Biotechnology in 2023

By 2023, Boston had emerged as a global leader in higher education, research, and biotechnology, being the largest biotechnology hub in the world.

2024: Boston Sports Championships

As of 2024, Boston has won 40 championships in the four major North American men's professional sports leagues plus Major League Soccer and the Celtics won a championship.

2024: Boston's Walk Score Ranking

As of 2024, Walk Score ranks Boston as the third most walkable U.S. city, with a Walk Score of 83, a Transit Score of 72, and a Bike Score of 69.

2024: Boston Bid for 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2016, Boston briefly shouldered a bid as the U.S. applicant for the 2024 Summer Olympics, but the bid was eventually dropped due to public opposition.

2024: Boston Fleet in Walter Cup Finals

In 2024, the Boston Fleet (then known as PWHL Boston) reached the Walter Cup finals in the inaugural PWHL playoffs, losing to the Minnesota Frost (PWHL Minnesota).